ROXA is an Italian boot manufacturer with over 45 years of history in the manufacture of ski boots. Based in Asolo, Italy, a city world-famous for its boot manufacturing, ROXA has been conducting everything from research and development to testing and manufacturing in Italy since its founding in 2000. We spoke to the company about the 2024-2025 season at JSP SNOW EXPO JAPAN 2024 (held February 13-14, 2024 at Pacifico Yokohama)
ROXA's distinctive features
What almost all ROXA boot models have in common is that the structure is reproduced using a 3D printer, which is a CAD system used in construction. ROXA also has features that many brands use, such as Biofit, Thermo Inner, Walk Mode, and Tech Pin, but what makes ROXA stand out is that the structure is designed using a CAD system and then the mold is accurately reproduced using a 3D printer
These factors contribute to the three main features of ROXA: "easy to wear, light, and warm." The shell is precisely and rationally made, eliminating any unnecessary thickness and making the shell itself extremely light. A thin shell can be cold, but the thermo-liner keeps it warm, and the three-piece "cabrio design" construction allows the tongue to open wide, making it very easy to wear
The inner liner also features a unique technology called the "BIOFIT System." The shell's pre-formed areas, which are generally prone to contact and require adjustment, are easily adjusted with a heat gun. Furthermore, the anatomically optimized last width ensures a precise and comfortable fit
The ROXA is a highly complete boot overall, so let's take a look at what's coming in the 2024-2025 season
R3 Series
This model is designed for backcountry and freeride. It features Pinn Tech for backcountry use. Its distinctive three-piece "CABRIO" design makes it extremely comfortable to wear. The CABRIO combines a three-piece shell, cuff, and tongue construction for smooth, flexible, and comfortable foot support while delivering quick response
It's not just the ease of wearing that makes it stand out. The R3 series is said to be the lightest high-performance alpine ski boot series to date. The top-of-the-line flex 130 model, the R3 130 TI IR, weighs just 1,580g (1/2 pair, 265cm), nearly 300g lighter than other manufacturers' freeride boots.
The inner liner is an injection thermo liner with a tongue. The boots are designed to be baked in an oven before wearing, but the tongue provides a better fit for turning movements. Flex variations include 130, 120, and 110 for unisex models, and 115, 105, and 95 for women.
ELAMENT series
While the R3 series is geared towards backcountry skiing, the ELEMENT is geared towards freeride and freestyle skiing. Like the R3, it has a three-piece cabriole design, but it also features the R3's Pintech and a standard buckle with stronger hold than a wire buckle, resulting in a tighter fit. It's also great for park riding, so skiers attempting big air tricks can wear it with confidence. It's also a favorite of FWT athletes, who have proven successful with it. Flex is available in 130, 120, and 100
The top model, the Element 130, is the only one that uses a wrap-type injection inner. This is designed for air tricks. The other flex models use an injection thermo inner with a tongue
R FIT MV series
The R FIT MV series is an all-mountain, high-performance boot aimed at instructors in Japan. It features a two-piece overlapping shell construction with a chef and cuff. It also features a Trident cuff
The black part is made of a high-density, hard material, while the rest is made of a light, flexible material with a low density, making it a key feature that it is lightweight while still maintaining sufficient rigidity. A slightly softer material is used around the ankle, making it very comfortable to wear
The R FIT MV series uses a thermo-liner called Ultralon, which is basically a sewn-in inner, so you can wear it as is. However, because 75% of the inner material is covered with thermo-liner, you can heat it with a heat gun and a hair dryer to heat it up and form it into a shape that can be easily formed. You can wear it as is or heat-form it, either way. It is very comfortable, easy to put on, and easy to wear. In addition to the R FIT MV, there is also the R FIT HV, which has a thicker body and a wider interior
Information
Official website: https://www.elanjapan.co.jp/
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